Name: Aneta Tobola

Company: Tobola Architects Pty Ltd

Position within company: Director

Website: www.tobolaarchitects.com.au

. Tell us a little about your background in design

I was born in Poland, raised in a family with artistic backgrounds – my mum is a retired accountant now with a great passion and great achievements in art painting and my dad is an architect. Received Master of Architecture and Urban Design at Technical University in Szczecin, Poland in 1997.

Migrated to Australia end of 1997 and worked 11 years for leading architectural practices where I have gained experience in residential projects including bespoke houses, medium density and high rise residential and also retail and commercial projects.

In 2008 I  formed Tobola Architects a boutique architectural practice committed to innovation, design excellence and attention to detail, specialising in bespoke residences.

. How would you describe your personal interior design style?

Grand scale, elegant, timeless, sensitive towards context & climate. In my design I use carefully what mother nature has given us for free – natural light and natural ventilation. In my projects I’m borrowing light, reflecting light and aim to created houses wisely filled with natural light.

 . Where does your design inspiration come from?

Travel, publications, inspired by nature, influenced by European grand scale, aesthetics and solid construction.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Year upon year design is paying more attention to eco-friendly materials and sustainable design solutions. Clients are more interested in building products, functionality and quality. Design is moving towards controlled minimalism which is warmer, more human and not that extreme.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

Cost effectiveness

Functionality

Environmentally friendly

Sensitive towards context and climate

Timeless

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?

Pay attention to the planning stage. Create design that not only engages and fulfils the occupant’s expectations but is also environmentally sensitive and works in harmony with context and climate. Wisely use natural light. Be passionate and fearless in what you do.

. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

ID&A awards are important as they act as a platform for designers from around the world to showcase their work. It is great to see our work acknowledged and recognised internationally in our industry. What a great opportunity to celebrate the best projects and people behind them.

 . What projects are you currently working on?

A number of bespoke houses in Sydney, and master planning + concept design for a large tourist resort in Hunter Valley, NSW.

 . What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To continue design bespoke residences / resorts for trusting & creative clients.

Your most treasured possession?

My Yorkshire terrier “George”;

Your favourite holiday destination?

Il the Pines in New Caledonia

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

Burj al Arab in Dubai;

“Banjo Paterson” Cottage Restaurant, Sydney, Australia;

Long Bar in Singapore;

Your favourite book / film / song?

I like to read biographies of interesting people (written by people who are the subject of the biography);

“The Notebook”;

Louis Armstrong “What a Wonderful World” or Billy Joel “Innocent Man”;

Your favourite food and drink?

Polish style potato pancakes with sour cream.

Herbal tea;

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Walk along the beach, cup of tea or coffee in the little coffee shop with ocean view.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I can’t imagine being anybody else.